Alright, I've searched around and come up with a ton of conflicting responses. I dont have the money to buy a header right now, but I want to remove the air pump in the meantime. Will it cause any damage to important engine components if I remove the air pump but leave the thermal reactor? I dont care about emissions, and I dont care if the thermal reactor doesnt function correctly, I just want to know if it will cause any serious issues. Thanks

 

Only the 79-80 SA models had a thermal reactor... what year is the car that you are talking about? It its the 85 GS thats in your profile and it still has the cats then youll end up clogging them up after you removed the airpump.
If you do remove the air pump then also the ACV, block that off on the intake manifold and hollow out the cats.. cheap HP and free metally noise to go with the exhaust note Better yet go have the cats replaced with a straight pipe made for you at a muffler shop. Get a dual alternator pulley so your water pump wont slip also use new belts.

 

It is important to retain the airpump on thermal reactor equipped models, including pre-RX7 rotary cars. The airpump delivers cooling air to keep the inner chamber from overheating. One problem is that if the thermal reactor gets too hot, heat will transfer back into the motor after it is shut off. If one of the apex seals has "parked" itself in the exhaust port window, the heat can damage the apex seal spring.